06/06/2026
RAMAPHOSA LAUNCHES LENACAPAVIR ROLLOUT, TARGETS THREE MILLION SOUTH AFRICANS FOR HIV PREVENTION
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially launched the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medicine, describing it as one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment.
Addressing delegates in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on Friday (5 June 2026), Ramaphosa said the rollout marks a major milestone in South Africa's fight against HIV and AIDS and could help reduce new infections, particularly among vulnerable groups.
"This is not just a medicine or a drug. It represents a major turning point in South Africa's national story," the President said.
Government plans to introduce the intervention at 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high HIV burden districts. Ramaphosa said the aim is to reach close to one million people by the end of 2027 and three million people over the following three years.
He described the targets as more than healthcare goals. "This is not simply a health target. This is life-saving and life-protecting," he said.
The President said South Africa continues to carry one of the world's highest HIV burdens and has built the largest HIV treatment programme globally, providing antiretroviral treatment to millions of people.
He acknowledged the impact the epidemic has had on the country, saying too many families had lost parents, children, teachers, healthcare workers and community leaders to HIV and AIDS.
At the same time, Ramaphosa credited government, civil society organisations and healthcare workers for expanding access to treatment and challenging the stigma associated with HIV.
He then paid tribute to activists who campaigned for affordable medicines and encouraged people to come forward for testing and treatment.
The President also announced that government, together with the Global Fund and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, would support the rollout of Lenacapavir through a partnership worth R1.3 billion.
According to Ramaphosa, the investment will help expand access to HIV prevention services while supporting South Africa's broader public health goals.
He said government remains committed to increasing access to affordable medicines through local manufacturing and technology transfer as Africa works towards strengthening pharmaceutical production on the continent.
Ramaphosa stressed that the success of the programme would depend not only on medical innovation but also on addressing stigma and discrimination.
He said South Africa's Constitution protects the rights and dignity of all people and called for greater understanding and support for people living with HIV, people with disabilities and members of different communities.
Earlier, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu welcomed the launch, describing it as an important step in strengthening HIV prevention efforts.
Ndlovu called for greater involvement from communities, schools, churches, traditional leaders, businesses and the media to raise awareness and support HIV prevention programmes.
The launch brought together government leaders, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and international partners. Members of the public also had access to free health services, including HIV testing and screening, through various outreach initiatives at the venue.
The national rollout of Lenacapavir forms part of South Africa's ongoing efforts to reduce new HIV infections and strengthen the country's response to one of its biggest public health challenges.
